Nutritional evaluation of some commercial baby foods consumed in Saudi Arabia

The nutritive value of six baby foods based on milk (Nido, Wadi Fatima and Gain) and milk-cereal blends (Cerelac with wheat, Cerelac with rice and Milupa 2) commonly used in the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia was evaluated chemically including fatty acids analysis and biologically in growing rats. The milk based products vs milk-cereal blends provided (per 100 kcal) protein (3.8-5.0 g vs 3.7-3.8 g), fat (5.2-5.7 g vs 2.0-4.8 g), available carbohydrates (7.3-9.5 g vs 10.5-16.6 g), Ca (159-189 mg vs 101-145 mg), Mg (15-18 mg vs 14-20 mg), Na (32-39 mg vs 42-51 mg), K (160-180 mg vs 122-144 mg), Fe (1.4-1.8 mg vs 1.5-1.9 mg), Cu (0.04-0.09 mg vs 0.09-0.1 mg), Zn (0.8-1.2 mg vs 0.8-1.1 mg), and linoleic acid (208-1343 mg vs 518-639 mg). Metabolizable energy (ME) values in milk based products (487-495 kcal/100 g) were higher than milk-cereal blends (404-473 kcal/100 g). The true protein digestibility (TD) varied from (93-95%) in milk based foods to (94-95%) in milk-cereal blends. The net protein utilization (NPU) ranged between (0.74-0.78) in milk based products and (0.68-0.74) in milk-cereal blends. The net dietary protein calorie percent (NDP cal%) was higher in milk based foods (11.7-15.0%) than milk-cereal blends (10.2-11.1%). An imbalance of calories and nutrients in some baby foods was noticed. However, the protein quality was satisfactory and could meet the protein requirements of infants and toddlers as indicated by NDP cal% values.

Cytotoxicity of copper complexes of 2-furaldehyde oxime derivatives in murine and human tissue cultured cell lines

The copper complexes of furan oxime derivatives were found to be potent cytotoxic agents in both murine and human tissue cultured cell lines which were either suspended or solid tumors. The ED50 values were frequently improved over the clinically useful antineoplastic agents. These copper complexes of 2-furaldehyde oximes were effective inhibitors of L1210 lymphoid leukemia DNA synthesis followed by RNA synthesis. Purine synthesis regulatory enzyme activities were markedly reduced by the compounds with marginal inhibition of t-RNA polymerase, and nucleoside kinases activities. L1210 DNA topoisomerase II activity was markedly reduced with IC50 values better than the standard VP-16, etoposide. Yet, the copper complexes caused no further protein linked breaks than VP-16 did, but did block phosphorylation activation of the topoisomerase II enzyme.

Effect of laser treatment on the root canal of human teeth

The purpose of this study was to examine the morphological and temperature changes of the apical portion of human extracted teeth treated by Nd: YAG, CO2 and Argon-lasers. Seventy-two single-rooted human teeth were studied. The root canals were prepared conventionally. Laser treatment of the apical portion of the canal was carried out by means of an optic fiber or metal tip. Temperatures were recorded thermographically. Two-thirds of the specimens were stained with black India ink and 36% silver ammonium fluoride solution. All specimens were irradiated by the three types of lasers at several intensities and the temperatures were recorded. Half of the specimens were prepared for the telescopic light microscope and for scanning electron microscopic observation, and the rest for histopathological examination by light microscope. The scanning electron microscopic evaluation showed that the laser energy vaporized the deposited debris, producing a glaze-like surface. The histopathological investigation revealed a tapered, enlarged apical lased area. All three laser devices were capable of vaporizing the debris in this way but the degree of morphological change was highly dependent on energy level and duration. The Argon-laser produced the highest temperatures.

HLA antigen pattern of Kashmiri patients with rheumatic heart disease

The distribution of HLA class-I (A, B and C), and class II (DR and DQ) antigens was studied in 50 randomly selected Kashmiri Muslim patients with established rheumatic heart disease and compared with that of 50 controls of similar ethnicity. A significant increase in the frequency of HLA-DR4 (P < 0.005, RR 3.27) and a significant decrease in the frequency of HLA-B5 (P < 0.001, RR 0.19) were found in the patient group. Though HLA-DQ3 showed a significant increase (P < 0.005, RR 2.52) and HLA-DR7 a significant decrease (P < 0.05, RR 0.42) in the patient group, the corrected P value was not significant. The findings suggest that susceptibility to RHD in the studied population is HLA-related, with HLA-DR4 influencing its occurrence and HLA-B5 conferring protection against the same.

FHIT mutations in human primary gastric cancer

Allelic deletion of multiple regions on the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p) implies the presence of multiple important tumor suppressor genes in human carcinogenesis. The FHIT gene, identified recently in chromosome 3p14.2, shows frequent allelic deletion and aberrant transcripts in gastrointestinal tumors. After determining the intron sequences flanking each of the coding exons of the FHIT gene and designing intron primers to facilitate mutation analysis of genomic DNA samples, we analyzed the complete coding sequences in matched cancer and normal tissues from 40 cases with primary gastric cancer using intron primers, PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis, and direct sequencing. A somatic missense mutation in exon 6, codon 61, ACG (threonine) --> ATG (methionine) was found in a signet ring cell adenocarcinoma. We also evaluated allelic deletion in these tumors by PCR-based microsatellite analysis; allelic deletion occurred in 42.1% (16 of 38) of evaluable cases. This is the first report of a somatic missense mutation of the FHIT gene in a primary tumor. Presence of a point mutation and frequent allelic deletions are consistent with the hypothesis that FHIT gene alterations are involved in the development of primary gastric cancers.

Lung cancer response following inhaled radon in the A/J and C57BL/6J mouse

A/J and C57BL/6J mice, strains which differ in susceptibility to chemical-induced lung tumours, were examined for differential sensitivity to radon-induced lung cancer. Sixty weeks after exposure to 952 WLM radon (3.34 J h1 m-3), no lung tumours were found in the control, sham- (one dust-) exposed, or radon-exposed C57BL/6J mice. In contrast, each of the A/J groups had a substantial number of tumours. Although there were no differences in overall lung tumour incidence or multiplicity associated with radon and ore dust exposure in A/J mice, distinct differences in tumour size and histopathological appearance were noted. The ratio of lung adenoma-to-carcinoma found in control A/J mice was 10:1, whereas the ratio in one dust-exposed animals was 10:8 and that in radon-exposed animals was 8:6. Based on these data, particulates appear to modify the promotion-progression of lung cancer in this strain. In addition, the appearance of two very large carcinomas histologically resembling Clara-cell-derived tumours only in the radon-exposed A/J mice and the possibility of alpha-particle-induced killing of target cells in the radon-exposed animals suggests that A/J but not the C57BL/6J, mice may have genes that modify susceptibility to radon-induced lung cancer.

Evaluation of oral poliovirus vaccine delivery during the 1994 national immunization days in Pakistan

Pakistan conducted national immunization days (NIDs) for the first time in 1994. To estimate coverage, to evaluate risk factors for failure to be immunized, and to determine the effectiveness of mass media, parents of 1288 children in 714 households in four districts were surveyed after the first NID round. In each district, a high proportion of children (93%-96%) received oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) during the NID. In three districts, unimmunized or partially immunized children were less likely to receive NID OPV than were fully immunized children (Kohistan, P < .001; Quetta, P < .001; and Sibi, P = .05). Although a high proportion of children in each age cohort received NID OPV, in three districts children 0-11 months of age were less likely to receive NID OPV than were older children. Television and radio reached a high proportion of survey households, but other mass media were less effectively utilized. Risk factor and media effectiveness surveys provide important information that is useful for planning future NIDs.

Comparative evaluation of the severity of gastric ulceration by solid dispersions and coprecipitates of indomethacin

The ulcerogenic activity of indomethacin was studied in rats following single and chronic doses of indomethacin in the form of pure drug, solid dispersions and coprecipitates. Each formulation was administrated as a suspension in a 2% methylcellulose solution. Gastrointestinal ulceration was assessed, four hours after a single dose and 24 hours following the last dose of a chronic four day dosing regimen, by counting the number of lesions and ulcers present. A rating scale was employed to evaluate the severity index. The coprecipitate formulation produced less severe ulceration than the solid dispersion and pure drug. This suggests that the severity of ulceration than the solid dispersion and pure drug. This suggests that the severity of ulceration may be related to the preparation methodology and drug release kinetics.

Nonatomic games on Loeb spaces

In the setting of noncooperative game theory, strategic negligibility of individual agents, or diffuseness of information, has been modeled as a nonatomic measure space, typically the unit interval endowed with Lebesgue measure. However, recent work has shown that with uncountable action sets, for example the unit interval, there do not exist pure-strategy Nash equilibria in such nonatomic games. In this brief announcement, we show that there is a perfectly satisfactory existence theory for nonatomic games provided this nonatomicity is formulated on the basis of a particular class of measure spaces, hyperfinite Loeb spaces. We also emphasize other desirable properties of games on hyperfinite Loeb spaces, and present a synthetic treatment, embracing both large games as well as those with incomplete information.

Dexamethasone and bacterial meningitis in Pakistan

The objective of this study was to assess, in a developing country setting, the effect of dexamethasone therapy on bacterial meningitis outcomes. A prospective double blind placebo controlled trial was conducted in 89 children aged from 2 months to 12 years suffering from bacterial meningitis. Neurological, developmental, and hearing assessments were conducted at one, four, and 12 months after discharge. Forty eight patients received dexamethasone and 41 placebo. Initial antimicrobial drugs used were ampicillin and chloramphenicol. For all patients at the time of admission the mean duration of illness was 5.7 days; 47% had had seizures and 56% had impaired consciousness. Seventeen of 89 (19%) patients died. The mortality for the dexamethasone group was 25% as compared with 12% in the group receiving placebo. Presentation to the hospital after four days of symptoms and with impaired conscious state were independent predictors of death. Of the dexamethasone group survivors, 26.5% had neurological sequelae and 42.3% had hearing impairment, whereas in the placebo group it was 24% and 30% respectively. Altered state of consciousness was a predictor of neurological sequelae. The presence of neurological sequelae and high cerebrospinal fluid protein independently predicted hearing loss. No beneficial effect of dexamethasone was observed on morbidity or mortality of this group of patients with bacterial meningitis. Dexamethasone is therefore not useful in developing countries as adjunctive treatment in patients seriously ill with bacterial meningitis, who present late for treatment and have been partially treated.

Study of ten anatomical variants of the foot and ankle

This study examined the occurrence rate of ten lower extremity anatomical variants occurring over a 6-year period from 1988 to 1994 in a sample range of 166 to 279 cadavers at the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences. Literature review of these anomalies shows similar findings for all presented structures with the exception of two. The peroneus quartus muscle was found to be significantly less prevalent than previous studies have indicated. This difference may be attributed to the larger sample size used in this study or differences of interpretation of the definition of the peroneus quartus muscle. Additionally, the flexor digitorum brevis tendon to the fifth digit was found to be absent much more than Sarrafian reports in a total sample size of 926. The importance of these anatomical variants, both in surgery and while using advanced diagnostic imaging such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, should be realized by the podiatric physician. Awareness of these variants will decrease confusion when considering treatment options.

Two flavonol triglycosides from flowers of Indigofera hebepetala

Two new flavonol triglycosides, kaempferol 3-omicron-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1->2)-beta-D-galactopyranoside-7-O- alpha-L-arabinofuranoside and kaempferol 3-O-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-galactopyranoside-7-O- alpha-L-arabinofuranoside were isolated from the flowers of Indigofera hepepetala, together with three known glycosides, kaempferol 3-omicron-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside-7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside-7-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside and kaempferol 7-rhamnoside. The structures were determined by means of Rf values, UV, EI-mass spectrometry, FAB-mass spectrometry, 1H NMR, 13C (B.B and DEPT) NMR, NOE difference measurement and 1H-1H COSY spectral data.

The nPCR detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis in children hospitalized for bronchiolitis

Nasopharyngeal aspirates from children admitted with the diagnosis of bronchiolitis, were screened for Chlamydia pneumoniae, and C. trachomatis. The nested PCR was found to be more sensitive that amplified the DNA extracts of up to two elementary bodies of the test strains. Using this technique, C. pneumoniae was detected in two (1.3%), and C. trachomatis in 26 17.1%) of the 152 samples tested. This study indicated C. pneumoniae infections to be unusual in children with bronchiolitis.

In-vitro corrosion and wear of titanium alloys in the biological environment

Cyclic anodic polarization studies were undertaken for several titanium alloys of varying composition and phase structures. All materials were exposed to an accelerated corrosion test using a potentiostat and their electrochemical behaviour was analysed within a potential range of 0 to 5000 mV. The electrolyte used was a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution at pH = 5, 7.4 and 9. The polarization curves obtained represented both the passive and active regions of the materials and these curves were used to compare the resistance to pitting corrosion of each material. The sliding-wear of these materials was studied in both non-corrosive and corrosive environments. A simple pin-on-disc type wear apparatus was designed and built to simulate the co-joint action of corrosion and sliding-wear. Using this apparatus, it was also possible to evaluate the effect of wear-accelerated corrosion, which was also evaluated by wearing the surface of the specimens prior to corrosion. It was evident that the mixed phase alpha-beta alloys (Ti-6AI-4V and Ti-6AI-7Nb) possessed the best combination of both corrosion and wear resistance, although commercially pure titanium and the near-beta (Ti-13Nb-13Zr) and beta (Ti-15Mo) alloys displayed the best corrosion resistant properties.

Effect of permeation enhancers on the release of ketoprofen through transdermal drug delivery systems

Feasibility studies were performed to prepare membrane controlled transdermal drug delivery system of ketoprofen containing Carbopol 934p gels. The ability of permeation enhancers such as oleic acid, polyethylene glycol 400 and propylene glycol to provide improved performance has been investigated. The variables studied were drug loading, type of the permeation enhancers, and their concentration. Diffusion studies across Spectra/por 1 membranes were performed using Franz diffusion cells. The medium employed was pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. The permeation parameters such as flux, enhancement ratio, permeation and diffusion coefficients have been evaluated. The results indicated a zero or near zero-order release kinetics. The studies indicated that oleic acid in a concentration of 35% w/w provided the maximum permeation when the ketoprofen concentration in the patches was 5%. Corresponding values of flux,enhancement ratio, permeability and diffusion coefficients were 6.22 micrograms/cm2/h, 8.57, 1.09 x 10(-3) cm/h, and 3.13 x 10(-6) cm3/h respectively. Further, an increase in ketoprofen loading from 5 to 10% increased the permeation.

[The combined action of sinusoidal modulated currents and ultrasound in the treatment of chronic gastroduodenitis in children]

The paper summarizes the results of clinical observations and special examinations conducted in 45 children with chronic gastroduodenitis by using combined exposure to sinusoidal modulated currents and ultrasound. The dynamics of clinical symptoms, functional status of the stomach and its adjacent gastroduodenal organs, endoscopic findings, morphological status of the gastroduodenal mucosa, gastric mucosal dissemination of Helicobacter pylori, systemic and regional humoral immunological parameters, abdominal echography indicate high therapeutical efficiency of the combined therapy as compared to that performed in controls (without physiotherapy). Mechanisms of formation of therapeutical action are clarified, differentiated indications are defined.